The NDC’s judicial setback should unite the opposition, Atiku aides say

Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigeria’s opposition leaders to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections following a Federal High Court ruling that overturned an earlier decision leading to the registration of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Responding to the Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State on Friday, Ibe described the decision as a clear signal that opposition parties could face growing political challenges if they fail to work together before the next elections.

In a post on his X account, he argued that the ruling should be a rallying point for opposition figures and accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of trying to undermine democratic competition.

“The decision of the Lokoja Federal High Court in setting aside an earlier decision on the registration of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) should serve as a warning that there is no hiding place for the opposition as the incompetent and clueless Tinubu @officialABAT sets his sights on enthroning a de facto one-party state,” Ibe wrote.

He further alleged that the President’s political goals were becoming clearer.

“His message is loud and clear: that he will wipe out the opposition and destroy our hard-won democracy if he doesn’t get his way in the 2027 elections,” he said.

Also read: Obi accused of planning to block 2027 presidential candidacy, challenges Tinubu to public debate

Ibe stated that despite recent legal setbacks, opposition leaders still have enough time to build a broad coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

He specifically mentioned Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition figures as potential partners in the alliance.

“It is not too late for the opposition to realign their forces by 2027 if President Yar’Adua 2.0 Tinubu is retired to Bourdillon or Iragbiji!” he added.

His comments followed a ruling by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja on Friday, which set aside an earlier court decision ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

The court stated that the previous decision affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC but did not join as a party in the initial process.

Following the ruling, PMP’s attorney, CS Ekeocha, said the court restored all parties to the legal position they occupied prior to the December 10, 2025 ruling and directed that all necessary parties join before the substantive suit proceeds.

He added that every action taken by INEC based on the previous ruling, including the registration and recognition of the NDC, has been annulled pending a final decision on the case.